Welcome

Dear Friends,

It is my very great pleasure to welcome you to the 2017 Viennese Winter Ball. Not only will Canada be celebrating its 150th anniversary, this will be the 20th anniversary of the Ball. I may add, on a personal note, that for me and my wife, it will be the first Viennese Winter Ball in my new capacity as Austrian Ambassador to Canada.

For the past 19 years the Viennese Winter Ball has been one of Ottawa’s most magical and glamorous events. This year, it promises to be even better. Guests will be able to dance on one of Canada’s largest dance floors with music provided by an array of superb musicians including Ottawa’s Thirteen Strings.

As you know, Vienna and Austria have had a rich musical tradition for hundreds of years. We strongly applaud the Viennese Winter Ball’s decision to support three major initiatives to encourage music in the lives of all young people. We all know that children learn more, are more intelligent and creative, are happier, and have greatly enhanced social skills when exposed to music. This year’s beneficiaries, Music and Beyond, Junior Thirteen Strings and Orkidstra are all deeply committed to making sure that music, as well as the arts and culture in general, reach out to all young people.

I am delighted and honoured to be the Patron of this very special event. I hope you will be able to attend and I encourage you to do everything possible to support it.